Summer Proms

Summer Proms Concert

This year’s Summer Concert was given a fresh new identity, inspired by the famous Proms concerts of the Royal Albert Hall. Renamed the Summer Proms Concert, the evening celebrated the breadth and vibrancy of music-making at Mayfield, bringing together pupils, staff, Old Cornelians and members of the wider community in a joyful showcase of musical achievement.

The concert opened with a spirited performance of Baba Yetu by the Lower School Choir, accompanied by organ, piano and African drums. It was a vibrant and energetic start to the evening and immediately demonstrated the enthusiasm and confidence that characterise music-making across the school.

One of the major highlights of the concert was the continued growth of the Phoenix Orchestra. Their performance of Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King showcased impressive dynamic contrast and musical energy. The orchestra reached its highest participation to date, with 56 performers drawn from pupils, staff and members of the school community. Particularly pleasing was the opportunity for musicians of all abilities to perform together, including several participants who had not played their instruments for many years. The ensemble continues to embody one of the core values of music at Mayfield: providing opportunities for everyone to participate, regardless of experience.

The concert also showcased the exceptional achievements of our senior musicians. Outgoing Music Captains, Trinity and Charmaine, gave a remarkable performance of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor for violin, cello and piano. Their technically assured and expressive performance was a fitting celebration of all they have contributed to music at Mayfield over recent years. Looking to the future, next year’s Music Captain, Audrey, performed a Vivaldi Guitar Concerto alongside musicians from the Music Department, demonstrating both outstanding musical skill and the continued strength of talent within the school.

A variety of ensembles contributed to the evening’s success. The Session Band performed two contrasting works, supported by members of the wider school community, whilst both the Flute Ensemble and String Quartet gave polished performances that highlighted the depth and variety of ensemble music at Mayfield. Together they demonstrated the wide range of musical opportunities available to pupils across the department.

Later in the concert, Schola Cantorum performed the five-part canon from Sing to the Mary Rose. Having sung the work as part of the 115-strong choir assembled for the Mayfield Festival earlier in the year, it was wonderful to hear how much the choir had developed since then. The confidence required to sustain five independent vocal lines demonstrated both the growing ability of the singers and the continued strength of the choral tradition at Mayfield.

Another special feature of the evening was the presence of a three-manual pipe organ, hired specifically for the summer musical events. For the first time in decades, the Concert Hall was able to host organ repertoire and choral performances accompanied by a pipe organ. The instrument proved a tremendous success and provided an exciting opportunity to explore a possible future replacement for the current Chapel organ, which has served the school faithfully for many years. The richness and warmth of its sound added a new dimension to the hall’s already fine acoustic.

The concert concluded in true Proms style. Our School Orchestra, which has grown from just eight players at the beginning of the academic year to a 22-strong ensemble, joined Schola Cantorum for a stirring finale of Parry’s I Was Glad, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 and Parry’s Jerusalem. These much-loved works brought the evening to a celebratory conclusion and, we hope, established a new tradition for future Summer Proms Concerts at Mayfield.

My sincere thanks go to all members of the Music Department for their hard work in rehearsing, performing, planning and organising the many musical events of the year. Thanks must also go to our support, administration and catering staff, whose efforts behind the scenes ensure that every event runs smoothly and allow our musicians and audiences alike to enjoy these occasions.

The response to the Summer Proms Concert was overwhelmingly positive, with many audience members describing it as one of the highlights of the year. One visitor commented that it was among the warmest and most enjoyable concerts they had ever attended, a remark that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening. As music at Mayfield continues to grow in both ambition and participation, events such as this demonstrate that its future remains exceptionally bright.

Theo Frazer

Director of Music